RSO Musicians

There’s an interesting discussion over on ployphonic.org about collective bargaining, including traditional and “interest based” approaches.

Several panel members are from the American Federation of Musicians’ symphonic services division; others are from some of our peer orchestras.

CBS News is carrying an AP story which reports that the musicians of the Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas spectacular have begun their strike. The stagehands for the show, members of Local 1 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, honored the strike and did not cross picket lines. The famous Rocketts also honored the strike wednesday.

Despite their extraordinary circumstances following Hurricane Katrina, the musicians of the Louisiana Philharmonic have rejected an offer from Radio City Music Hall to replace their regular orchestra.

Both Playbill Arts and the New York Times have articles.

After a five month strike, the Montreal Symphony Musicians have accepted a contract.

Details include:

• 7 Year contract
• 18.23% pay increase (2.5% annually)
• Improved Pension Contribution
• Improved Premium pay for Recordings, etc.

Here are some links:

• Canada.com
• Globe and Mail
• The New York Times

From the ROPA mailing list
from Laura Ross, ICSOM Secretary
DO NOT WORK FOR
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL/CABLEVISION
“CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR”

Despite record profits approaching $100 million per year for this 10-week
show, management is seeking to slash the tenured orchestra musicians’
salaries by eliminating or severely limiting the overtime these musicians
earn working as many as 6 shows a day and often for 7 days a week.

Following a breakdown in negotiations with the new owners of Radio City
Music Hall on Thursday, October 6, 2005, Local 802 [New York City] was
informed that the management had hired a local contractor (the regular house
contractor is a member of Local 802.) This contractor will call music
schools and/or union or non-union musicians in New York, New Jersey or
anywhere in the US, Canada or Europe, to serve as replacement or “scab”
musicians.

Additionally, there is a strong rumor that the contractor will try to reach
out to the members of the Louisiana Philharmonic and offer this work as a
“charitable gesture”.

Members are asked to refuse this work and to notify Local 802 of any
attempts to hire within their jurisdiction.

From the ROPA mailing list.

September 8, 2005

Dear Members and Officers:

The tragic events surrounding the destruction and havoc created by Hurricane Katrina have affected thousands of people in the Southeastern United States and created a disaster of epic proportions. It will take many months to clear the debris and rebuild homes and businesses. We look forward to the day when the citizens of these areas will be able to move back into their homes but until then, they need help.
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